Good Time, Good Life GamesBy Vicki Jackson
Gold Torch Award recipient Keith Bachmann opens wide for the Jell-O Toss. The yearly Good Life Games of Pinellas County for seniors has its serious moments, but then there's the Jell-O Toss. This is a game wherein each couple stands about 5' apart and attempts to catch the Jell-O in their mouths. Then they take a step back, until all but one team is eliminated! Five weeks of Good Life Games concluded with an Award's Celebration and Picnic held at Walsingham Park in Largo early this month. Local Director, Walt Deal, announced the winners from almost 800 competitors who participated in 23 different categories of events, which were held at various sites across Pinellas County. The games include archery, golf, line dance, and Mah Jongg, to name just a few, and are open to seniors reaching the age of 50 by year's end. Gold Torch Awards are given, within five-year age groups, to individual men and women who enter the most event categories. This year's recipients in the age groups were:
Margaret Caskey was also presented with the Walter Jarwarski Award for being the oldest multi-event participant. The Nick Lischatz "Spirit of the Game" Award was given to Cindy McCarthy of the Sunny Beaches "Red" and "Gray" softball teams from St. Petersburg. This award is special, in that the recipient is chosen by her peers, to be honored for best representing the characteristics associated with dedication to the game of softball. Good Life Games, Inc. is a non-profit organization that promotes healthy lifestyles and encourages seniors to enhance the value and vitality of their lives through athletic and recreational competition, social events, volunteerism, and other activities. The top five competitors, individuals and teams, of Pinellas County are qualifiers for the Florida State Senior Games to be held in Cape Coral this December. Although the 2011 Games aren't until next spring, Mr. Deal is already planning and preparing for another successful season, and invites those interested in more information to visit www.goodlifegames.org.
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